The aroma of smoky bacon mingling with warm, sweet cranberries fills the air, evoking visions of cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. This Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration on a plate that effortlessly transforms any meal into a magical experience. With its gluten-free ingredients and a medley of textures and flavors, this stuffing promises to impress even the most discerning palates.
After a long week of fast food and takeout, I found myself yearning for something truly comforting and homemade. That’s when I unearthed this delightful recipe, combining hearty cornbread with the rich flavors of crispy bacon and tart cranberries. Perfect for holiday feasts or a casual family dinner, this stuffing not only brings traditional flavors to the table but also adds an unexpected twist with honey butter pecans that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home!
Why is Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavors come together in this stuffing, blending smoky bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a burst of taste in every bite. Simple preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, while its gluten-free ingredients ensure everyone can enjoy it. Versatile for any occasion, it easily elevates holiday meals or casual family dinners. Plus, the honey butter pecans add a delightful surprise, making it a dish sure to impress and keep guests coming back for more. This stuffing is truly all about celebrating flavors!
Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing Ingredients
For the Cornbread Base
• Gluten-free corn meal – an essential for creating the perfect base for this Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing.
• Gluten-free flour – helps achieve a light and fluffy texture; feel free to substitute with almond flour if desired.
• Honey – adds natural sweetness and depth; you can switch to maple syrup for a different flavor.
• Baking powder – crucial for leavening, ensuring your cornbread is airy and tender.
• Salt – enhances the flavors; be cautious of the saltiness from the bacon later on.
• Milk or coconut milk – use whichever you prefer for added richness; coconut milk gives a lovely hint of tropical sweetness.
• Egg – binds all the ingredients together, ensuring a moist cornbread.
• Coconut oil – provides healthy fat and subtle flavor; melted butter can be used as a replacement.
For the Stuffing Mixture
• Bacon – crispy, smoky goodness that adds a savory punch to the stuffing; turkey bacon works well for a lighter option.
• Butter – adds richness to the onion and vegetable sauté.
• Onion – brings a savory undertone, sautéed until golden and soft.
• Celery – adds a crisp texture; feel free to add a touch of diced carrots for sweetness.
• Garlic – infuses aromatic flavors, enhancing the overall dish.
• Eggs – a second addition for binding, complementing the fluffy cornbread.
• Chicken broth – moistens the stuffing and enhances the savory notes; vegetable broth is a great alternative.
• Dried rubbed sage – contributes a warm, herbal flavor, quintessential to stuffing.
• Dried thyme – complements the sage beautifully, adding depth.
• Cranberries – fresh or frozen, they introduce a delightful tartness; raisins can be a good alternative if you prefer sweetness.
• Pepper – seasons the dish perfectly; adjust according to your taste.
• Salt to taste – essential for balancing flavors; do a taste test before adding more.
• Chopped parsley – brightens the dish with color and freshness.
For the Honey Butter Pecans
• Pecan halves – add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor; walnuts can also work in a pinch.
• Honey – ties the pecans together with sweetness; maple syrup is a delicious substitute.
• Melted butter – enriches the pecans, helping them toast beautifully.
This Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing is packed with incredible flavors and textures that are sure to amaze your family and friends!
How to Make Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing
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Preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature ensures a golden-brown finish on both the cornbread and stuffing.
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Mix the cornbread base ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Aim for a smooth batter without any lumps for an airy texture.
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Pour the mixture into a buttered or oiled cast iron skillet or a suitable 8-9” cake pan. Spread evenly for uniform baking.
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Bake for 30 minutes. Check the cornbread with a toothpick after 20 minutes—it’s done when the toothpick comes out clean.
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Cook the bacon in a large pan over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
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Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic in the remaining bacon fat, cooking until they are soft and fragrant. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine the baked and cooled cornbread in a large mixing bowl, breaking it into small chunks. Stir in the sautéed vegetables, chopped bacon, chicken broth, eggs, cranberries, and seasonings (don’t forget to save the parsley for later!).
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Transfer the stuffing mixture back into your desired baking dish, spreading it in an even layer for consistent cooking.
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Bake the stuffing at 400°F for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the top to crisp up.
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Prepare the honey butter pecans while the stuffing is baking. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together honey and melted butter. Toss the pecans to coat them evenly.
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Top the stuffing with the honey butter pecans and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pecans are beautifully toasted!
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, adding a nice burst of color and freshness to this delightful dish!
Optional: Serve with a side of cranberry sauce for an extra splash of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing?
This luscious stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, creating a comforting and memorable meal.
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Roasted Turkey: Juicy and tender turkey complements the savory bacon and sweet cranberries, making it a classic pairing for holiday gatherings.
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Honey Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of these carrots harmonizes with the honey in the stuffing, adding a lovely contrast that brightens your plate.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes provide a rich mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with the hearty stuffing, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
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Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce brings a refreshing burst of flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the stuffing with each bite.
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Sautéed Green Beans: Crunchy, tender green beans add freshness and color to your meal. Their slightly crisp texture complements the rich stuffing delightfully.
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Apple Cider Vinaigrette Salad: A light salad drizzled with apple cider vinaigrette cuts through the richness, offering a crisp bite that refreshes the palate between bites of stuffing.
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Pumpkin Pie: Finish off your meal with a slice of pumpkin pie, whose warm spices mirror the flavors in the stuffing, providing a sweet ending to your cozy feast.
Tips for the Best Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing
• Quality Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially for the bacon and cranberries, to really enhance the flavors in your Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cornbread—overbaking can lead to dryness. Start checking with a toothpick at around 20 minutes.
• Crispy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is nice and crispy before adding it to the stuffing. This texture provides a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Broken Cornbread: Break the cornbread into small, even chunks for uniform texture. This helps in absorbing all the delicious flavors of the stuffing.
• Season to Taste: Be mindful when adding salt since bacon is already salty. Taste the mixture before adjusting the salt levels to avoid over-seasoning.
• Let it Rest: Allow the stuffing to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing Variations
Feel free to customize this delightful stuffing to match your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Vegetarian: Substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a savory, plant-based twist. Both options will infuse a rich flavor into the stuffing.
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Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and replace them with sunflower seeds for that desired crunch without the allergens. They’ll add a nice texture while keeping it safe for nut-free diets.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if you’re craving some heat. This will elevate the warmth of the stuffing, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their life!
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Fruit Boost: Incorporate diced apples or pears along with the cranberries for a fresh, fruity element. The sweetness and juiciness will create an exciting contrast to the savory components.
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Herb Infusion: Play with fresh herbs such as rosemary or dill instead of thyme and sage to add a twist of flavor. Each herb brings its own unique scent and taste, enhancing the stuffing’s overall profile.
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Cheesy Delight: Stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for an ooey-gooey texture. The melted cheese adds richness that everyone will love!
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Savory Sausage: Swap the bacon for breakfast sausage for a heartier filling. The savory spices from the sausage bring a delightful depth that complements the sweetness of the cranberries beautifully.
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Coconut-Free: If you’re avoiding coconut, substitute coconut oil with olive oil or melted butter for rich flavor without the coconut taste. This keeps the dish approachable for all palates.
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cornbread base up to 24 hours ahead of time; simply bake it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent drying out. The stuffing mixture can be combined (excluding the honey butter pecans) and kept covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, allow the mixture to come to room temperature, transfer it to your baking dish, and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Add the honey butter pecans for the last 10 minutes of baking for a delicious, crispy finish! This strategy ensures your stuffing is just as flavorful and comforting as if made fresh, saving you time during busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a delightful experience.
Freezer: You can freeze Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can add a splash of broth to keep it moist during reheating.
Room Temperature: Serve fresh from the oven when possible, but if left out, it’s best consumed within 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cranberries for my stuffing?
Look for cranberries that are firm and shiny, without dark spots or blemishes. Fresh cranberries will typically have a bright red color. If you’re using frozen cranberries, make sure they are unsweetened; they should be plump and not clumped together, indicating they haven’t thawed and refrozen.
How long can I store leftovers of Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing?
Absolutely! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes to keep that delicious flavor intact.
Can I freeze the cornbread stuffing, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it into a tightly sealed freezer-safe container. It can keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through—about 20-25 minutes at 350°F works perfectly.
What if my stuffing turns out too dry?
If your stuffing is dry, don’t worry! You can rescue it by adding some broth. Start with a few tablespoons, drizzle it evenly over the stuffing, and then gently mix it in. Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 10-15 minutes to help it regain moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Yes! The Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing recipe uses gluten-free cornmeal and gluten-free flour, making it suitable for those with gluten allergies. Always double-check labels on your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! To make ahead, prepare the stuffing mixture up to the point before baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll have more time to enjoy your guests!
Bacon Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing That Steals the Show
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Mix the cornbread base ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered or oiled cast iron skillet or a 8-9” cake pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes, checking at 20 minutes with a toothpick.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, and set aside after chopping it into pieces.
- Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic in the remaining bacon fat.
- Combine the baked cornbread with sautéed vegetables, bacon, broth, eggs, cranberries, and seasonings.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture back into the baking dish.
- Bake the stuffing at 400°F for another 30 minutes.
- Prepare the honey butter pecans by mixing honey with melted butter and coating the pecans.
- Top the stuffing with honey butter pecans and return to the oven for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.